How To Choose A Scratching Post For Your Cat

Cats have an instinctual need to scratch, so it is important to provide them with an acceptable outlet for this behaviour. But when buying a scratching post or cat tree, this post needs to be a more attractive option to scratch than the couch or carpet. It is important to select a post made with cat friendly materials like sisal, wood or cardboard. But there are more things you need to take into consideration when you're shopping to ensure it will be used by your cat!

Why do cats need to scratch?

Cats need to scratch for many different reasons, to keep their claws sharp, exercise and stretch their muscles, flex their feet and claws and to mark their territory. Using a scratching post provides your cat with a surface for sharpening their claws through helping to remove the dead outer layer of their claws. It also helps them identify an object and place that they can define as their very own in your home. At the very least by putting a scratching post in your home you offer enrichment for your cat - especially if they are an indoor only cat. It gives them a place to climb, play, scratch and hide providing them with exercise throughout the day.

Take into account the size of your cat

Cats come in a variety of sizes, and so do scratching posts. So it is important to consider the size of your cat when purchasing a scratching post. For example if you have a small kitten, a large post can be too big and hard for him to use and scratch. Similarly, if you have a large Maine Coon and a small scratching post your cat won’t be able to stretch out while he scratches and may end up not scratching the post at all. For large cats you also need to consider the weight and durability of construction of their scratching post as if too lightweight it may easily be knocked over.

Choose the right texture

When it comes to scratching cats love something they can really dig her claws into! After all scratching is more than just entertainment for cats, the action of sinking their claws into something is how they are able to sheds the loose layer from their claws. This is why it is so vital to think about the texture of cat trees and scratching posts. Generally most cats love the texture of sisal, a fibrous rope made from the agave plant that is very durable! Another popular material is corrugated cardboard as cats love to be able to shred and rip up something! But it really depends on the individual cat, which is why it is helpful to think about the problem areas your cat is currently scratching and pick a scratching post with a similar texture. Like if your cat is scratching the side of your couch, she may like something dense like sisal. But if your cat loves to scratch the soft wood of your door frame, consider buying or making a scratching post out of wood to keep their interest peaked. This is a great way to ensure that your cat will actually use the product, so it does not become a expensive unused piece of furniture.

The post must be taller than your cat when fully stretched out

Scratching isn’t just about claw health, cats also scratch as a way to stretch and flex their bodies. So when you’re choosing a stand-up scratching post, you must find one that’s tall enough to allow your cat to stretch out their whole body. In order for a cat to be able to scratch fully its scratching post should be at least half again as tall as he is to allow him to stretch fully. The taller and more sturdy the post, the greater the chance of a cat preferring the post to your furniture or wallpaper.

Make sure that it is sturdy & stable

Cats put a lot of energy into scratching - so it is vital that you provide a post that is sturdy and stable. A wood or sisal post must be attached to a sturdy heavy base that won’t wobble when your cat is scratching. If you see your cat scratching and notice the post is wobbling you can nail it onto a larger base for more stability. For taller cat scratchers it can be helpful to give them extra support by adding brackets to mount them to a wall so they are extra safe and secure.

Watch how your cat scratches

When selecting a cat scratching post it is important to provide one that is at the right angle for your cat. The best way to do this is to observe your cat scratching and see what posture they have and take this into account when looking at posts. For example if your cat scratches the couch while standing on their hind legs, they would need a tall stand-up post that will allow her to stretch while she does it. But if your cat is commonly scratching the carpet, they will probably get more use out of a scratching pad that lays flat on the floor so she can dig while she scratches. You’ll have the most success with the transition onto the new scratching post if you choose a scratching post or pad that most closely resembles items or furniture that your cat has already scratched.

Don't hide away your scratching post

One of the things that is often forgotten when selecting a cat scratching post is the importance of location! It is important to not hide the scratching post away - it needs to be placed in a central location in your home in the middle of the action. Placing a scratching post in a prominent location in the most used room in the house, even directly in front of the piece of furniture the cat has shown a preference for scratching in the past will often encourage the cat to scratch the post to mark his territory. After a while, you can move the post away to a more suitable location, but ensure that you move it slowly no more than half a metre at a time.